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We will be in Manchester in October visiting our daughter in medical school and do not want to spend the entire time in Manchester while she is busy at her hospital, so we have booked two days of golf in the Liverpool area, at Royal Liverpool and Royal Birkdale, and will spend the two nights in Liverpool and explore the city while there. Are their any other near by locations or towns we should spend a day or two at before we head back to Manchester? We will be using the train to get around. Thanks.

I agree with Leuca. There are places like Chester (or other areas on the Wirral) which may be an idea for a day trip but you may as well keep yourself based in Liverpool and make your trips from there. Chester is a good day out and if you're heading to Royal Liverpool, maybe explore some of the Wirral peninsula that day - West Kirby for example. Also, Another Place at Crosby beach would be heading back into Liverpool from Birkdale.

Saying that, if you are only here for two days and a fair bit of that is filled playing golf then there will be more than enough in the city itself to keep you occupied for the rest of the time.

Not exactly sure how much time you've got (probably not enough for the suggestions we're making, so do come back)! I hope you've some time in Manchester to explore the city (art galleries, museums, maybe a walking tour and more - if you need ideas please ask). There's the Salford Quays/Media City area - on the Metrolink (tram) from the city centre - the Lowry (theatre & gallery) on one side of the Ship Canal and the Imperial War Museum North on the other.

Chester, already suggested, is well worth a day trip - there are direct trains from both Manchester & Liverpool.

South of Manchester you could visit Dunham Massey - a "stately home" that has is now (and for 2015 as well) recreated as the World War 1 Stamford Military Hospital (as it was in the latter part of that conflict) - it's been done very well, IMO. There are a few rooms in the normal format and others set up as exhibitions of treasures while the "hospital" is open. There are gardens and a park (with deer). You would take the tram (Metrolink) from the centre of Manchester to Altrincham (last stop on that line) and get the bus (number 5 towards Warrington stops at the gates):

Thank you all for your great suggestions which I will look into. And don't worry, we won't be dragging our golf clubs around with us - will be renting them at each location! A trip out to York sounds like a nice day trio, as well as stopping in Chester one of our days. The statues at Crosby Beach sound fascinating.

Cheres, I would love more suggestions for spots to see in Manchester. Thanks again everyone!